UNBconnect... (UNB)
Flood engulfs 250 villages in 9 Kurigram upazilas as Brahmaputra, Dharala rivers swell
Kurigram Water Development Board (WDB) officers of said water level of Dharala increased by 16 centimeters today and the river was flowing 18 centimeters above danger level at 6 am while that of Brahmaputra River rose by 10 centimeters and the river flew close to the Red Mark in the morning.
Incessant rains coupled with onrush of water from upstream led to abnormal rise in water levels of all rivers in the district inundating fresh areas of nine upazilas leaving at least 250,000 people marooned.
The rain-fed rivers are also eroding their banks at different points in nine upazilas devouring vast areas causing immense sufferings to the inhabitants of dozens of villages on the banks of the rivers.
Scores of houses went to river beds in the last 48 hours, peoples` representatives of the affected unions said.
Burabur union parishad (UP) chairman Shohrab Hossain Chand said at least 75 houses gone into the bed of Brahmaputra River in the last 48 hours, ending 6 am today.
People who lost their homes and hearths to the river have spent the night under open sky, he said.
Hatia UP chairman Abul Hossain said driven by flood several hundred people have taken shelter on embankments and high lands.
They are facing acute crises of food, fuel and drinking water. The relief that they have received so far is meager, he said, adding the concerned department is yet to send and distribute adequate relief among the affected people of 59 upazilas.